Maleny to Gympie Drive

This delicious drive between Maleny and Gympie combines gorgeous treats and bush tucker with natural delights. Using a lot of the Sunshine Coast Food Trail network, this drive tour starts at Maleny's Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve before heading to Kenilworth Country Foods where you can sample local cheese and yoghurt and on to the Bunya Art and Bush Tucker Centre. From there, the tour takes you to the Amamoor State Forest and will finish at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.

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Maleny to Kenilworth

Drive to 41 Mountain View Road, Maleny where you'll discover Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This 55 hectare National Estate-listed subtropical rainforest overlooks the Glass House Mountains and offers some of the best views of the mountains that are steeped in Indigenous myth and legend. The reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life, which promises to delight with its tranquillity and beauty.

Continue along Mary Cairncross Road to Maleny Botanical Gardens, arguably one of the best views of the mysterious Glass House Mountains, steeped in a rich indigenous history. Meander through some of the most exquisite gardens in Queensland enjoy a picnic or simply relax with a Devonshire tea at the café.

Kenilworth to Imbil and Amamoor State Forest

One of the best ways to experience this rich region is at Kenilworth Country Foods which boasts a delectable range of cheeses, including the Red Malling Vintage which is an original product of the factory. Then tantalise your taste buds even further by enjoying one of the boutique factory's yoghurts.

Amamoor State Forest to Gympie

Renowned for producing some of the finest hoop pine in Queensland, Amamoor State Forest is a birdwatcher's paradise with more than 120 bird species calling the forest home. Take Amamoor Creek Road and enjoy a drive through the forested valley and explore interesting walks. From the day-use area, take the Platypus Walk (300 metres return) to a viewing platform for a chance to see a platypus.

The rainforest walk at Cedar Grove features huge red cedar and fig trees. This delightful drive finishes at Gympie, the "Town that Saved Queensland". Gympie's proud heritage began in 1867 as "Nashville" with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash at the site now occupied by the Town Hall. At the time, Queensland was on the brink of bankruptcy due to drought and a fall in wool prices. Nash's discovery of 75 ounces of gold in six days sparked the Gympie Gold Rush which not only boosted the Queensland economy but enabled the colony to survive.

Surrounded by the Mary Valley, the Cooloola and Sunshine Coasts, Gympie offers a relaxed lifestyle and attractions, farmers markets, events and festivals including the annual Gympie Music Muster at the Amamoor Creek State Forest Park.

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Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).